ABSTRACT
Radical school transformation invariably requires new leadership. Current leadership typically will be too entrenched and unable to objectively see a struggling school’s issues. A leader who is hired to turn around a school will often need to make unpopular choices and hard decisions. Drastic measures sometimes will be necessary to save the school from floundering or even closure. Turnaround leaders are usually given a narrow window of time to make big changes- typically one to two years. The turnaround leader must think tactically and focus on significant short-term gains rather than creating a longer, incremental strategic plan. Rapid and early success is critical. An effective turnaround leader uses failure and even slightly missed achievement targets as opportunities to inspire ever-higher levels of performance. Ultimately, turnaround depends on helping the community understand the urgency of what is at stake.
